WHEREAS some rural municipalities are experiencing issues with feral horses; and

WHEREAS the population needs to be controlled as it can grow very quickly; and

WHEREAS feral horses cause a significant amount of damage to crops and also create public safety issues;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial Government for a strategy pertaining to the management of the feral horse population within Saskatchewan.

RESPONSE FROM HONORABLE LYLE STEWART, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

RMs have the legislative authority through The Stray Animals Act (Act) to deal with stray animals, including horses, within their respective boundaries.  The Act sets out specific provisions regarding valueless and dangerous strays.  Currently the municipality is responsible for expenses incurred in dealing with strays in cases where ownership cannot be determined.  However, costs can be offset through sales proceeds of the animal.  The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to work with SARM and other stakeholders to identify solutions to deal with this issue.